Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. It can cause damage to the linings of the lungs and abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics, and asbestos-like minerals such as silica and erionite.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for decades before DNA damage to cells causes mesothelioma tumors. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma-related cancer symptoms to manifest.
Asbestos
Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers once commonly used in the construction industry. The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other substances, including silica, erionite and zeolites.
The most common symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness of breath, and the buildup of fluid on the lungs. Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma, including peritoneal pericardial and esophageal.
Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos is a major reason. Exposure to asbestos is thought to cause mesothelioma through making cells grow abnormally and produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also cause genetic mutations, which can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma.
There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they experience worrying symptoms. They should tell their doctor about previous exposure to asbestos so they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If you are worried about your risk of developing mesothelioma, you can speak to a mesothelioma attorney to learn more about options for compensation available. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients and their families pay for treatment and pay for their expenses.
In an ideal world, everyone could be protected from asbestos exposure in the near future. But asbestos can still be found in many older buildings, particularly those built prior to 1999. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing materials should adhere to safety rules, like wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed, anyone who suspects they have asbestos in their home should have it inspected only by an accredited asbestos inspection. This will reduce the chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. It is crucial to keep in mind that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the proper precautions.
Silica
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, but can be triggered by exposure to other minerals like Erionite or silica. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) however it can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that covers the testicles and the heart (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma usually develops years after exposure to asbestos and many patients are in their 50s or 60s.
The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces and many for a long period of time. Asbestos is a class of naturally found minerals that form long, thin fibers that are very strong and withstand heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications, though it was phased out when scientists realized that it was dangerous to health. When it is cut or mined and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease difficult to identify. The symptoms can include breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, chest pain or a lump in the chest or abdomen. Only tests can identify mesothelioma, and the majority of patients are referred to specialists after visiting their physician.
Asbestos has been eliminated, but is still found in older homes and buildings. Although there aren't any known mesothelioma cases caused by other substances but there is a possibility that those who have been exposed to silica or other forms of mineral could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are very similar to other illnesses If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above seek out your doctor immediately.
Erionite
Although asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma, it's not the only mineral that has been linked to the cancer. In some instances other materials, such as erionite (a type of zeolite) has also been associated with the cancer. Similar to asbestos, erionite could cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body and is inhaled or inhaled.
In the 1970s, an unusually high rate of mesothelioma developed in a number of villages in Turkey where erionite-bearing rock exists. In certain villages where up to 50 percent of deaths were caused by mesothelioma pleural.
A team of environmental scientists, geologists mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked together to find out the reason for this unique lung cancer. They discovered that a few families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma that was caused by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances, could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma triggered by erionite is most likely a result from inhaling heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long period of time. This occurred in rural areas where mining and road construction took place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory illnesses.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, triggers symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) and pain in the chest (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight increase. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and is usually fatal once it develops to the stage of severe.
Alexandria asbestos lawsuit is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that people who've been exposed silica, erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. Get medical attention as quickly as you can if you've got mesothelioma or were exposed to other forms of asbestos. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll develop a plan of treatment that's best for you.
Other Minerals
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has fibrous, strong fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by those who are in close proximity to asbestos when it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers are able to penetrate the protective mesothelium in the lungs and heart. As time passes, the fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both professionally and non-occupationally. Personnel in the military who handle or transport asbestos are at particular risk as are civilians exposed to it on the job. There are six types of asbestos, but amphibole and chrysotile are the most commonly used. Each type has distinct types of fibers that resemble a splinter and can enter the body in different ways.
Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop. The first symptoms are usually abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it is most often affecting the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles and the lining of the intestines.
Around 75% to 80% mesothelioma is related to asbestos exposure. The majority of patients had on-the-job asbestos exposure however, some have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. This is due to the fact that asbestos is used in so many different products, exposing many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or restoring old houses. This is particularly true when environmental disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes or fires cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.
Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should arrange an appointment with their doctor as soon as they can. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma because doctors can identify the disease at a point that it is treatable. The more information doctors have on mesothelioma causes and risk factors, the better they can protect people from asbestos exposure.